Northern Italy has a way of pulling you in with its charm, and honestly,
exploring it was one of the easiest travel experiences I’ve ever had.
Unlike other countries where day trips can be complicated, northern italy is simple to navigate From Milan using public transportation
and reach incredible destinations in just an hour or two. Whether you’re after scenic lakes, historic cities, or quaint villages, Milan serves as your strategic starting point.
I remember one day in particular—I started my morning in Bergamo, enjoying the stunning views from the upper town of citta alta By mid-afternoon, I found myself on a train to Verona, exploring the city
Two completely different vibes in one day, and I didn’t even feel rushed! That’s the beauty of basing yourself in Milan
In this blog, I’m going to share some of the easiest day trips from Milan, all based on my own experiences.
Let’s talk about how to explore Northern Italy’s gems without ever needing to pack and unpack your suitcase.
Easy Day Trips from Milan: Discover Northern Italy’s Hidden Treasures
By Train: The Easiest and Most Scenic Option
When it comes to traveling from Milan for day trips, my absolute favorite way to get around is by train.
Milano Centrale Station is the hub for most routes, and trust me, it’s super well-connected. For almost every popular day trip destination—whether it’s Lake Como, Bergamo, or even Venice—you’ll find direct trains that usually take less than an hour or two. For shorter trips, you’ll even find some journeys that are as quick as 30 minutes!
The local app Trenitalia is a lifesaver when it comes to planning train travel in Italy.
It’s actually designed for Italians, but you can easily change the language to English
Tip: While you can buy your tickets online through the app, it’s just as easy to grab them at the station kiosks or counters. The prices are the same whether you book in advance or buy them on the day of travel for regional routes—no sneaky price hikes! This makes last-minute planning totally stress-free.
By bus:
If you’re traveling on a super tight budget, buses can be a good alternative to trains, but they’re not always the best option for every trip.
Usually, I recommend taking the regional trains because they’re faster, more comfortable, and still pretty affordable. However, if you’re determined to save every euro, there are a few bus options worth considering.
The cheapest bus option I’ve found is Itabus, which sometimes offers fares that are half the price of a train ticket
But there’s usually only one bus per day for most routes, so you’ll need to plan your schedule carefully.
For shorter distances, you might not save enough time or money to make it worth the hassle.
As for other popular bus services like FlixBus, you might assume they’re cheaper than trains, but that’s not always the case for shorter, local routes.
They tend to focus more on longer-distance travel, like trips to Rome or Southern Italy, where they can be more economical.
If you’re traveling within Northern Italy, though, FlixBus tickets can actually end up costing more than a train, so it’s worth comparing prices before booking.
By Organized Tour:
If you’re someone who doesn’t want to spend time figuring out train schedules or navigating with GPS, an organized tour might be the perfect solution.
Most tours include transportation from your hotel, visits to iconic landmarks, and sometimes even extras like guided museum visits or lunch.
One popular platform for booking tours is GetYourGuide. It’s packed with options for day trips from Milan to places like Lake Como, Verona, and Bergamo.
The downside, of course, is the price.
For example, a one-way train ticket fro milan to Bergamo costs just €6.
but joining an organized tour to the same destination can set you back €50-€60 or more.
Places to see near Milan
A trip to Lake Garda feels like stepping into a picture-perfect postcard.
As Italy’s largest lake, it offers a mix of stunning landscapes, charming towns, and outdoor adventures. Getting there from Milan is simple—just hop on a train to Desenzano del Garda, which serves as a great starting point for exploring the entire lake.
A one-way ticket costs around €10, and the ride takes about an hour and a half.
From Desenzano, you can easily explore the area by ferry or bus, depending on how much of the lake you want to see in a day. The beauty of Lake Garda is that each town has its own personality, so whether you’re into history, nature, or just relaxing by the water, there’s something for everyone.
Places to See Around Lake Garda
• Sirmione: This is one of the lake’s most famous towns, and for good reason. Its narrow streets are filled with gelato shops and boutiques, and the centerpiece is the Scaligero Castle, a medieval fortress surrounded by the lake.
• Desenzano del Garda: Since this is where you’ll arrive by train, it’s worth taking some time to enjoy this lively lakeside town.
• Riva del Garda: Located at the northern tip of the lake and surrounded by mountains, this town is ideal for outdoor enthusiasts.
You can take a scenic hike or rent a boat to explore the lake from the water. It’s a bit farther from Desenzano, so plan ahead if you want to include this in your day trip.
• Peschiera del Garda: visit one of Italy’s most famous theme parks “. If you’re into thrilling rides and roller coasters, this is the place to be. It’s also a fun option if you’re traveling with kids (or just feeling adventurous).
Pro Tip: Ferries connect most towns along the lake, so you can easily visit two or three in a single day. Just check the ferry schedules ahead of time to make sure you don’t miss the last one back!
On your next day, head to Bergamo.
You might already know it as the home of the Ryanair airport, but trust me—this city is so much more than a budget airlines stopover. In fact, Bergamo is like getting two cities for the price of one: the historic Città Alta (Upper Town) and the modern Città Bassa (Lower Town).
Getting to Bergamo is straightforward. Take a regional train from Milan, which costs just €6 each way and takes about an hour. Once you arrive, you can walk or take the funicular to explore the different parts of the city.
Places to See in Bergamo
• Città Alta (Upper Town): This medieval hilltop town is the crown jewel of Bergamo. It’s filled with cobblestone streets, historic architecture, and breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside.
Tip: Don’t miss the famous funicular that takes you up to Città Alta in just a few minutes. The ride costs €2, and it’s not just convenient—it’s an experience in itself, offering beautiful views as you ascend. Make sure to go early in the morning because it tends to get crowded later in the day.
• Città Bassa (Lower Town): While the Upper Town gets most of the attention, the Lower Town shouldn’t be overlooked. It’s a vibrant area filled with modern shops, lush parks, and lively cafes. If you want to see how locals live and hang out, this is the spot to do it.
• Piazza Vecchia: This historic square is the heart of Città Alta and a must-see. Surrounded by Renaissance-era buildings, it feels like you’ve stepped back in time.
• Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore: This stunning church is a highlight of Bergamo. The interior is covered in intricate frescoes and artwork that will leave you speechless.
If you’re looking for a destination that’s less touristy but just as charming as Lake Garda or Lake Como, let me introduce you to Brescia and Lake Iseo.
Brescia is a true hidden gem,
usually people choose garda lake or comp lake but Brescia have good alternative which is iseo lake is calmer and beautiful and have rhe largest island in europe inside lake
Getting there is super easy. Take a train from Milan to Brescia, which takes just about an hour and costs €8 one way.
Brescia is compact and full of history, so you can explore its main highlights in a few hours. Once you’ve soaked up the culture, hop on another train to Iseo, a charming lakeside town just 30 minutes away. That ticket will set you back a mere €3, making this an incredibly affordable day trip.
Highlights in Brescia
• Piazza della Loggia: This picturesque square is the heart of Brescia, surrounded by stunning Renaissance architecture. It’s the perfect place to grab a coffee, sit back, and soak in the atmosphere.
• Brescia Castle: Perched on a hill, this historic fortress offers panoramic views of the city. Inside, you’ll find museums and gardens, the castle look litle bit like citta alta in bergamo because is on the top of the city so you need to walk litle bit to get there
• Capitolium and Roman Forum: Brescia is home to some of the best-preserved Roman ruins in Northern Italy, and they’re even listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Walking through the ancient forum feels like stepping back in time.
• places to see in Lake Iseo
After exploring Brescia, head to Lake Iseo, one of Northern Italy’s best-kept secrets. It’s smaller and more peaceful than Garda or Como, but no less beautiful.
• Monte Isola: This is the star of Lake Iseo—a massive island right in the middle of the lake, and the largest lake island in Europe. Take a ferry from Iseo town (it costs about €4 one way and takes 15 minutes). Once you’re there, start your adventure with a hike to the top of the island, which only takes about 30 minutes. The trail is easy and rewards you with stunning views over the lake.
• Iseo Town: Don’t skip the town of Iseo itself. Its colorful streets, cozy cafes, and lakeside promenade are perfect for a relaxing stroll. It’s the kind of place where you can slow down, enjoy a gelato, and just take in the scenery.
Now let’s talk about Verona, a city that has romance written all over it.
Veroma one of my personal favorites for a day trip because there’s so much to see and do, yet it’s compact enough to explore in one day.
To get there, take a train from Milan to Verona Porta Nuova station. The ride takes about two hours and costs around €12 one way.
Once you arrive, you can walk or take a short bus ride to the city center, where all the magic happens.
Places to See in Verona
• Juliet’s House: Sure, it’s a bit touristy, but you can’t visit Verona without stopping by Juliet’s famous balcony.
• Verona Arena: This Roman amphitheater is one of the best-preserved in the world .
The entrance fee is just €1, making it a budget-friendly way to explore Verona’s ancient history.
• Piazza delle Erbe: This lively square is perfect for people-watching, shopping, or grabbing a bite to eat. Surrounded by colorful buildings and historic landmarks.
• Castelvecchio: Walk across its fortified bridge for incredible views of the river, and don’t forget to check out the museum inside, which is packed with fascinating artifacts.
Pro Tip: If you have time, climb the Torre dei Lamberti for panoramic views of the city. It’s a bit of a workout, but the scenery from the top is worth every step.
Northern Italy is a treasure trove of history, culture, and natural beauty,
and Milan is the perfect starting point to explore it all.
Thanks to its well-connected train system, visiting places like Lake Garda, Bergamo, Lake Iseo, Brescia, and Verona is simple, affordable, and stress-free.
So, pack your bags, grab a train ticket, and start exploring. With a bit of planning and an open mind, you’ll discover why this region is one of Italy’s most beloved destinations.
Hi, I’m Hamadi, a passionate traveler and the creator of travresources.com.
Author bio
My mission is to help fellow wanderers explore the world on budget. Through my own experiences—both the good and challenging—I share practical tips, detailed itineraries, and guides to make your travels smoother and more memorable
